Hurricane Sandy relief efforts; Volunteering on Rockaway Beach

[Pawan P]

Hi Everyone!

I hope you're all doing well in the aftermath of the superstorm that passed through our city, which seems like just yesterday, but was actually over a week ago now. 

It looks like many parts of the city are already back to normal life, but there are many places that are still struggling with no power or heat. The Rockaway peninsula was one of the worst affected by the storm, at least as far as New York City goes, and due to its remote location they still need as much help as they can get right now. It's heartening to see many volunteer organizations joining the cause to help out in these areas, and I think right now we could even get a team of volunteers ourselves to go out there and provide as much assistance as we can. Since many people are already back to work this week, the best(and earliest) day to do this would be Saturday, November 10th. We already have 4 people committed to going on that day, and with your help we could have a sizeable team together by the end of the week. Here is a link that has info on what's most needed at the moment, but keep in mind that this might change in the coming days, and we'll keep you posted on any updates. - http://interoccupy.net/occupysandy/rockaways/

If you're interested, please let me know by email, or sign up on the google doc, found here - http://tinyurl.com/aolrockawaybeach

And if you can't make it on Saturday, please list which days you are available anyway.

Feel free to share the link and invite as many people for this (including non-AOL volunteers).

Many thanks,

~Pawan

PS - Attached is a facebook post from a friend of a friend, both of whom went out to Rockaway a few days ago, describing their experience there. 

[Pawan P]

Hi guys! 
Thanks to everyone who responded so far. We are meeting at Occupy Sandy's main volunteer center at Sunset Park tomorrow morning, at 9am. The address is -

St. Jacobi Church

5406 4th Ave

Contact: 347-470-4192

Please try to wear clothing which you are willing to get dirty. 

Also, Gautam is organizing another trip to Rockaway Beach on SUNDAY, so if you're interested in that please let one of us know, and fill out the google doc as well. 

Thanks,

~Pawan

[Amanda Goodwin]

Hi everyone!

For tomorrow:  Please bring shovels, buckets, masks(can be purchased from Duane Reade...it's really dusty out here!),tools of any kind, and flashlights. Wear clothes you can get dirty, gloves, and boots(if you don't have these it's ok)

     There are a variety of ways to help out here, and we can partner up with a few organizations who understand the situation, and send us to locations where we are needed the most. 

   For those of us who would prefer to avoid working in" the field", there may be the option to work with a group making soup and delivering it to residents, or organizing supplies.

  Please visit the google doc or reply to this email if you are coming. I believe Gautam is leaving from the center at 8am in the van, but there is also public transportation to Rockaway, and the volunteer center where we will meet is easy to find:183 Beach 96. The bus that we took way B53. Connect from Roosevelt ave, A train at Rockaway Blvd, or Woodside. You can call Pawan 201-620-1681 or myself 347-583-9238.

See you tomorrow!

Mandy

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